Acanthophis antarcticus
VENOM: Dangerously venomous, seek emergency assistance if bitten.
SIZE: Growing to 1m (Avg 70cm)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: Common Death Adders have been recorded throughout the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast hinterland areas.Despite their name, they are not frequently encountered by people as they tend to be fairly reclusive snakes.
HABITAT: The Common Death Adder can be found in various different habitats including rainforest ranges, sclerophyll forests, open woodlands, heath and rock outcrops. Specimens are the most common outside of suburbia where they are able to avoid predation by pets and intense habitat loss. Within these habitats, adders stay well camouflaged amongst the foliage where they ambush prey sources. Most encounters with these snakes occur as they cross quiet bushy roads on suitable nights.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Death Adders have a short and stocky body shape with a distinct triangular-shaped head.The snakes are heavily banded from head to tail.
Populations within South East Queensland are diverse in appearance with individuals ranging from orange to grey in colouration.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Though rarely encountered in South East Queensland, Death Adders rank in the top 10 most venomous snakes in the world and should be respectfully left alone. This species has the largest pair of fangs of snakes in the region. After each breeding season, pregnant females give birth to 2-33 live young.
It’s important to realise that many species of snake can vary in colour, pattern and size. This often makes it very hard to make a positive identification of the snake. You should always assume that a snake is highly venomous, keep your family and pets at a safe distance and call a Gold Coast snake catcher.